Common Misconceptions About CBD

Common Misconceptions About CBD

As CBD soars in popularity, cropping up in products from muscle rubs, teas to mascaras and lubes, misconceptions about the cannabidiol are also skyrocketing. So what are people getting wrong?

1. “CBD still gets you high.”

True, CBD comes from the same plant as THC, but it does not get you high or make you feel intoxicated. In fact, some experts argue that CBD helps counteract the anxious, paranoid and “scary high” feelings of THC and can work as an anti-psychotic.

2. “CBD shows up on your drug test.”

It’s a little more complicated that that. Drug tests screen for THC, the psychoactive intoxicant agent in Cannabis. CBD is non-psychoactive and non-intoxicating, but more importantly, has a different chemical structure than THC.

That said, using products with isolated CBD (vs. full spectrum) will not produce THC positive test results. Using full spectrum products means that your CBD source has 0.2% THC or less content, meaning it may show up on a drug test. For that reason, when using Hemp products, practice caution and look for test results with LOQ or as low as THC as possible.

Generally, sipping on a nice CBD tea or eating a bar of chocolate will transmit very little (if any) THC into the body.

3. “CBD is medical, THC is recreational.”

While many people think of CBD as the “medical part” of the Marijuana plant and THC as the “fun, recreational part,” THC has awesome therapeutic properties beyond making you high. To list a few, THC is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, helps reduce nausea and boosts appetite.

On the flip side, CBD can also be used recreation-ally. Sure, it isn’t a “high” but even if you don’t use CBD to treat a specific ailment, you can incorporate CBD into your day to day life.

4. “CBD converts to THC in your stomach”

Indigestible CBD is exceptionally well-tolerated by humans and many animals with few side effects. CBD converting to THC in the stomach is definitely not one of those side effects.

There have been extensive clinical trials demonstrating that ingested CBD, even doses above 600 mg, do not cause THC-like psychoactive effects. The World Health Organization even weighed in on the issue, reporting in 2017 that “spontaneous conversation of CBD to Delta-9-THC has not been demonstrated in humans undergoing CBD treatment.”

5. “CBD will make me sleepy.”

While many enjoy CBD for its relaxing and pain-relieving properties (especially when mixed with other soothing botanicals and herbs such as in CBD Tea), moderate doses of CBD are actually mildly energizing. Most people feel alert and focused after taking CBD, rather than buzzed or jittery (like after drinking coffee or consuming too much caffeine). Very high doses of CBD can be sleep-promoting, but CBD is not a sedative.

6. “High doses of CBD work better than low doses”

Low doses of CBD are just as effective and sometimes more effective than very high doses. Both CBD and THC have biphasic properties, meaning that low and high doses can produce opposite effects.

For example, a low dose of THC is mildly energizing while a very high dose can promote sleep. Depending on your needs, a large dose of CBD could actually be less effective than a moderate dose!

7. “CBD derived from Hemp isn’t as good as CBD derived from Marijuana.”

Many people think CBD should be sourced form Marijuana plants rather than Hemp. This is false and we are here to squash this myth. CBD is just as powerful if sourced from a Hemp plant versus a THC-heavy Marijuana plant.

“If the Hemp plant used is female.”

Forget that picture you have in your mind that “Hemp” is only stalky male plants that takes 1000s of Pounds to produce any CBD. That is not modern Hemp farming.